Laundry Additive Dispenser

ABSTRACT

An additive dispensing assembly for providing wash liquid to a wash tub of a washing machine appliance is provided. The additive dispensing assembly includes a water supply conduit configured to provide a flow of water to the wash tub. An additive reservoir is connected to the water supply conduit such that the flow of water through the water supply conduit draws in and entrains the wash additive prior to delivery of the wash liquid into the wash tub. The resulting wash liquid has an optimal additive concentration that is proportional to the amount of water delivered to the wash tub.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machineappliances and more particularly to additive dispensers for washingmachine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing wateror wash liquid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other washadditives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines awash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normaloperation of such washing machine appliances, the wash liquid isdirected into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of thebasket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speedsto agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid fromarticles within the wash chamber, etc.

During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of washliquid is directed into the tub in order to wash and/or rinse articleswithin the wash chamber. One or more fluid additives may be added to thewash liquid to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the washliquid. The fluid additives may be in powder or concentrated liquidform, and may be added to a dispenser box of the washing machineappliance by, e.g., a user of the washing machine appliance. Thedispenser box may contain various chambers for containing differentadditives, e.g., wash detergent and softener.

However, to ensure proper detergent concentrations, users must carefullymeasure the proper detergent amount for each cycle, considering factorssuch as the size and type of the load, the temperature of the water, andthe selected wash cycle. Although some washing machine appliances havebulk additive dispensers that automatically dispense a controlled amountof detergent from a storage reservoir, such bulk dispensers areconfigured to provide fixed amounts of detergent for a given cycle, maynot take into consideration factors such as water amount, and are oftencomplex subsystems requiring many components.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having and additive dispensingassembly that improves delivery of detergent is desirable. Moreparticularly, a simplified additive dispensing assembly that provides anaccurate detergent quantity for a given load and improves wash and rinseperformance would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides an additive dispensing assembly forproviding wash liquid to a wash tub of a washing machine appliance. Theadditive dispensing assembly includes a water supply conduit configuredto provide a flow of water to the wash tub. An additive reservoir isconnected to the water supply conduit such that the flow of waterthrough the water supply conduit draws in and entrains the wash additiveprior to delivery of the wash liquid into the wash tub. The resultingwash liquid has an optimal additive concentration that is proportionalto the amount of water delivered to the wash tub. Additional aspects andadvantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the followingdescription, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learnedthrough practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance defining avertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The washingmachine appliance includes a cabinet; a wash tub positioned within thecabinet; and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, thewash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing.The washing machine appliance further includes an additive dispensingassembly positioned within the cabinet and configured to provide washliquid to the wash tub. The additive dispensing assembly includes awater supply conduit extending between a water supply and the wash tub;an additive dispenser for storing and dispensing a wash additive; and asiphon channel extending from the additive dispenser to the water supplyconduit. A flow of water directed through the water supply conduitcreates a siphon which draws the wash additive into the water supplyconduit to mix with the flow of water and create a wash liquid that isdispensed into the wash tub.

In another exemplary embodiment, an additive dispensing assembly forproviding wash liquid to a wash tub of a washing machine appliance isprovided. The additive dispensing assembly includes a water supplyconduit extending between a water supply and the wash tub and a solenoidvalve operatively coupled to the water supply and configured toselectively provide a flow of water to the wash tub. The additivedispensing assembly further includes an additive reservoir configuredfor receiving a wash additive and an additive supply conduit operablycoupling the additive reservoir to the water supply conduit such thatthe flow of water through the water supply conduit creates a negativepressure in the additive supply conduit which draws the wash additiveinto the water supply conduit to mix with the flow of water and create awash liquid that is dispensed into the wash tub.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter witha door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closedposition.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machineappliance of FIG. 1 with the door of the exemplary washing machineappliance shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of an additive dispensing assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter,wherein an additive supply conduit couples an additive reservoir to thewater supply conduit.

FIG. 4 provides a schematic view of an additive dispensing assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter,wherein a solenoid valve controls the flow of wash additive through anadditive supply conduit.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of an additive dispensing assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter,wherein a solenoid valve and pump control the flow of wash additivethrough an additive supply conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axiswashing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or door 130 is shown ina closed position. In FIG. 2, door 130 is shown in an open position.Washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V,a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which ismutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system isgenerally defined.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axiswashing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein itwill be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 isprovided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances havingdifferent configurations, different appearances, and/or differentfeatures may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well,e.g., horizontal axis washing machines.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between atop portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along the vertical direction V.A wash basket 120 (FIG. 2) is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102. Amotor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 toselectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinsecycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is receivedwithin a wash tub or wash chamber 121 (FIG. 2) and is configured forreceipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 121 holds wash and rinsefluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 121. An agitatoror impeller (not shown) extends into wash basket 120 and is also inmechanical communication with the motor. The impeller assists agitationof articles disposed within wash basket 120 during operation of washingmachine appliance 100.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 140. Toppanel 140 defines an opening 105 (FIG. 2) that permits user access towash basket 120 of wash tub 121. Door 130, rotatably mounted to toppanel 140, permits selective access to opening 105; in particular, door130 selectively rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 andthe open position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, door 130inhibits access to wash basket 120. Conversely, in the open position, auser can access wash basket 120. A window 136 in door 130 permitsviewing of wash basket 120 when door 130 is in the closed position,e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 130 alsoincludes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift whenopening and closing door 130. Further, although door 130 is illustratedas mounted to top panel 140, alternatively, door 130 may be mounted tocabinet 102 or any other suitable support.

A control panel 110 with at least one input selector 112 (FIG. 1)extends from top panel 140. Control panel 110 and input selector 112collectively form a user interface input for operator selection ofmachine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 110indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/orother items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controlleror processing device 108 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to controlpanel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles andfeatures. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110,controller 108 operates the various components of washing machineappliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 108 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as ageneral or special purpose microprocessor operable to executeprogramming instructions or micro-control code associated with acleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such asDRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, theprocessor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memorymay be a separate component from the processor or may be includedonboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 100 may beconstructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination ofdiscrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches,amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and thelike) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.Control panel 110 and other components of washing machine appliance 100may be in communication with controller 108 via one or more signal linesor shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items areloaded into wash basket 120 through opening 105, and washing operationis initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Washadditives may be added to washing machine appliance 100 to assist in thecleaning process. In this regard, as will be described in detail below,an additive dispensing assembly 200 is configured to provide one or morewash additives, such as powdered detergent, concentrated wash liquid,pretreating additive, bleach, etc.

Water may be added to additive dispensing assembly 200 to mix with washadditives and create a wash liquid that may be dispensed into washbasket 120. One or more valves can be controlled by washing machineappliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriatelevel for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way ofexample for a wash mode, once wash basket 120 is properly filled withfluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with animpeller as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in washbasket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket120 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again addingfluid to wash basket 120 depending on the specifics of the cleaningcycle selected by a user. The impeller may again provide agitationwithin wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles also may be used. Inparticular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/orafter the rinse cycle to wring wash fluid from the articles beingwashed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 120 is rotated at relativelyhigh speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleanedand/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120,e.g., by reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 105.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 5, an additive dispensingassembly 200 that may be used with washing machine appliance 100 will bedescribed in more detail. Although the discussion below refers toadditive dispensing assembly 200, one skilled in the art will appreciatethat the features and configurations described may be used for otheradditive dispensers in other washing machine appliances as well. Forexample, additive dispensing assembly 200 may be positioned elsewherewithin cabinet 102, may have a different components or configurations,and may dispense water, detergent, or other additives. Other variationsand modifications of the exemplary embodiment described below arepossible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope ofthe present subject matter.

According to an exemplary embodiment, additive dispensing assembly 200may be mounted within cabinet 102 using a plurality of mountingfeatures, using mechanical fasteners, or in any other suitable manner.Similarly, glue, snap-fit mechanisms, interference-fit mechanisms, orany suitable combination thereof may secure additive dispensing assembly200 to cabinet 102. One skilled in the art will appreciate that additivedispensing assembly 200 may be mounted in other locations and use othermounting means according to alternative exemplary embodiments.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment ofadditive dispensing assembly 200 will be described in detail. As shown,water or wash liquid is provided to wash tub 121 through a water supplyconduit 202. Water supply conduit 202 may receive hot and cold waterfrom a hot water inlet 204 and a cold water inlet 206, respectively. Inorder to dispense wash liquid at the desired temperature, hot and coldwater may be selectively dispensed in ratios that produce the desiredwater temperature. For example, the flow of hot water through hot waterinlet 204 may be controlled using a hot water solenoid valve 205 and theflow of cold water through cold water inlet 206 may be controlled usinga cold water solenoid valve 207.

Water supply conduit 202 may terminate at wash tub 121 in any mannersuitable for dispensing water and/or wash liquid into wash tub 121. Forexample, according to the illustrated embodiment, water supply conduit202 is fluidly connected to wash tub 121 through a dispensing nozzle210. However, according to alternative embodiments, water supply conduit202 may simply terminate at wash tub 121 with no change in its diameteror may have a venturi-shaped end.

Additive dispensing assembly 200 may further include an additivedispenser 220, e.g., a reservoir for storing wash additive. In thisregard, additive dispenser 220 may be configured to receive one or morewash additives. More particularly, according to an exemplary embodiment,additive dispenser 220 is a reservoir that is intended to storesufficient wash additives for multiple wash cycles in order to avoidrequiring the user to add a measured quantity of wash additive prior toeach wash cycle. In one embodiment, the wash additive is a liquid and inanother embodiment, the wash additive is a powdered detergent.

Additive dispenser 220 is connected to water supply conduit 202 throughan additive supply conduit 222. Additive supply conduit 222 is a siphonchannel that draws in wash additive from additive dispenser 220 whenwater flows through water supply conduit 202. More particularly, aswater is supplied through water supply conduit 202 into wash tub 121,the flowing water creates a negative pressure within additive supplyconduit 222. This negative pressure draws in wash additive from additivedispenser 220 in proportion to the amount of water flowing through watersupply conduit 202.

As shown in FIG. 3, additive supply conduit 222 is connected to watersupply conduit 202 through a venturi-shaped additive nozzle 224. Theadditive supply conduit 222 and additive nozzle 224 may be sized andconfigured to ensure the desired amount of wash additive is supplied fora given water flow rate through water supply conduit 202. For example,by adjusting the diameter of the additive supply conduit 222 and theflow restriction of additive nozzle 224, the flowrate of wash additivemay be adjusted.

According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, water supply conduit202 is fluidly connected to wash tub 121 through a dispensing nozzle210, and additive supply conduit 222 is connected to water supplyconduit 202 through a venturi-shaped additive nozzle 224. In general,nozzles 210, 224 may be shaped in any manner suitable for injecting washliquid into wash tub 121 and wash additive into water supply conduit202, respectively.

According to the exemplary embodiment, nozzles 210, 224 are shaped inthe form of a venturi. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3,venturi-shaped additive nozzle 224 may be a tapered end of additivesupply conduit 222. More specifically, additive supply conduit 222 maydefine an inner surface 226 that defines an opening 228 through whichadditive supply conduit 222 is connected to water supply conduit 202.Inner surface 226 may be tapered—i.e., may decrease in internaldiameter—as the additive supply conduit 222 approaches opening 228 andwater supply conduit 202. In this manner tapered inner surface 226 mayresult in a flow restriction of additive supply conduit 222, and as aresult of the Venturi effect, the pressure of wash additive flowingthrough nozzle 224 may decrease in pressure and increase in velocity.Notably, dispensing nozzle 210 may be formed in a similar manner toprovide wash liquid to wash tub 121. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the shape of nozzles 210, 224 may be varied in order toadjust flow characteristics therethrough, and such variations arecontemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

As illustrated, additive supply conduit 222 is connected to water supplyconduit 202 slightly upstream of dispensing nozzle 210. In this manner,the flowing water may entrain, mix, and dissolve the wash additive toform a wash liquid prior to dispensing into wash tub 121 throughdispensing nozzle 210. According to alternative embodiments, additivesupply conduit 222 may be connected further upstream on water supplyconduit 202 or in a location where wash additive may dissolve morequickly, e.g., near hot water inlet 204.

In operation, additive dispensing assembly 200 adds a wash additive fromadditive dispenser 220 in proportion to the amount of water flowingthrough water supply conduit 202. More specifically, water is providedfrom cold water inlet 206 and hot water inlet 204 to achieve the desiredwater flowrate and temperature. This flowrate and temperature may becontrolled by controller 108 or may be manually adjusted by the user.Water flows into the water supply conduit 202 past additive nozzle 224,creating a negative pressure in additive supply conduit 222. Thisnegative pressure draws in wash additive from additive dispenser 220.The wash additive travels through additive supply conduit 222 and isinjected into water supply conduit 202 by additive nozzle 224. The watertraveling through water supply conduit 202 entrains, mixes, anddissolves the wash additive to create a wash liquid that is dispensedinto wash tub 121. Notably, the concentration of wash additive in thewash liquid it proportional to the amount of water delivered to washtub.

According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, additivedispensing assembly 200 may further include a valve 230 for controllingthe flow of wash additive through additive supply conduit 222. Forexample, valve 230 may be a solenoid valve that is electricallyconnected to controller 108. However, any other suitable valve may beused to control the flow of wash additive. Controller 108 mayselectively open and close valve 230 to allow wash additive to flow fromadditive dispenser 220 through additive supply conduit 222. For example,during a rinse cycle where only water is desired, valve 230 may beclosed to prevent wash additive from being drawn through additive supplyconduit 222.

According to another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5,additive dispensing assembly 200 may include both a valve 230 and a pump232. Valve 230 may operate in the same manner as described with respectto FIG. 4. Pump 232 may be used to pump a desired amount of washadditive from additive dispenser 220 through additive supply conduit222, regardless of the flowrate of water. This may be desirable, forexample, for extra soiled loads for which it is desirable to provide aconcentrated wash liquid into wash tub 121. Alternatively, pump 232could supply a lower quantity of wash additive for light loads that donot require concentrated wash liquid. Although FIG. 5 illustrates pump232 being used with valve 230, one skilled in the art will appreciatethat pump 232 also be used independently of valve 230 in alternativeembodiments.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that in addition to theconfigurations of additive dispensing assembly 200 described herein,alternative configurations of additive dispensing assembly 200 arepossible and within the scope of the present subject matter. Forexample, although only one additive dispenser 220 is described herein,one skilled in the art will appreciate that more than one additivedispenser may be included in alternative embodiments, e.g., for holdinga wash detergent and a softener. Other configurations are also possible.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical,a lateral, and a transverse direction, the washing machine appliancecomprising: a cabinet; a wash tub positioned within the cabinet; a washbasket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket defining awash chamber for receiving articles for washing; and an additivedispensing assembly positioned within the cabinet and configured toprovide wash liquid to the wash tub, the additive dispensing assemblycomprising: a water supply conduit extending between a water supply andthe wash tub; an additive dispenser for storing and dispensing a washadditive; and a siphon channel extending from the additive dispenser tothe water supply conduit, wherein a flow of water directed through thewater supply conduit creates a siphon which draws the wash additive intothe water supply conduit to mix with the flow of water and create a washliquid that is dispensed into the wash tub.
 2. The washing machineappliance of claim 1, wherein the siphon channel is connected to thewater supply conduit using a venturi-shaped nozzle.
 3. The washingmachine appliance of claim 1, wherein the water supply conduit is influid communication with both a hot water supply through a hot waterinlet and a cold water supply through a cold water inlet.
 4. The washingmachine appliance of claim 1, wherein the siphon channel is calibratedto provide a selected flow rate of the wash additive.
 5. The washingmachine appliance of claim 4, wherein the selected flow rate of the washadditive is proportional to a flow rate of the flow of water through thewater supply conduit.
 6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1,further comprising a valve operatively coupled with the siphon channelfor controlling the flow of the wash additive through the siphonchannel.
 7. The washing machine appliance of claim 6, wherein the valveis a solenoid valve that is selectively controlled based on at least oneof the selected wash cycle, the soil level of the articles to be washed,and the article type.
 8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1,further comprising a pump operatively coupled with the siphon channel,the pump configured to selectively dispense the wash additive from theadditive dispenser.
 9. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, furthercomprising a valve operatively coupled with the siphon channel forcontrolling the flow of the wash additive through the siphon channel.10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash additiveis either detergent or fabric softener.
 11. An additive dispensingassembly for providing wash liquid to a wash tub of a washing machineappliance, the additive dispensing assembly comprising: a water supplyconduit extending between a water supply and the wash tub; a solenoidvalve operatively coupled to the water supply and configured toselectively provide a flow of water to the wash tub; an additivereservoir configured for receiving a wash additive; and an additivesupply conduit operably coupling the additive reservoir to the watersupply conduit such that the flow of water through the water supplyconduit creates a negative pressure in the additive supply conduit whichdraws the wash additive into the water supply conduit to mix with theflow of water and create a wash liquid that is dispensed into the washtub.
 12. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein theadditive supply conduit is connected to the water supply conduit using aventuri-shaped nozzle.
 13. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 11,wherein the water supply conduit is in fluid communication with both ahot water supply through a hot water inlet and a cold water supplythrough a cold water inlet.
 14. The additive dispensing assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the additive supply conduit is calibrated to provide aselected flow rate of the wash additive.
 15. The additive dispensingassembly of claim 14, wherein the selected flow rate of the washadditive is proportional to a flow rate of the flow of water through thewater supply conduit.
 16. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 11,further comprising a valve operatively coupled with the additive supplyconduit for controlling a flow of the wash additive through the additivesupply conduit.
 17. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 16,wherein the valve is a solenoid valve that is selectively controlledbased on at least one of the selected wash cycle, the soil level of thearticles to be washed, and the article type.
 18. The additive dispensingassembly of claim 11, further comprising a pump operatively coupled withthe additive supply conduit, the pump configured to selectively dispensethe wash additive from the additive reservoir.
 19. The additivedispensing assembly of claim 18, further comprising a valve operativelycoupled with the additive supply conduit for controlling a flow of thewash additive through the additive supply conduit.
 20. The additivedispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein the wash additive is eitherdetergent or fabric softener.